FAQs

How long will my painting or drawing take to make?

The length of time it will take to create your portrait depends on the complexity of the image, the number of faces and the size. As a general rule, a drawing of A3 or smaller takes around a week to complete, and a complex one of A3 or larger will take around two weeks. Paintings generally take around a month from start to finish, as I work in layers; the size of the canvas is less important. Once we agree on the details of your custom order, I will be able to give you a more accurate completion date.

Do you have a waiting list?

Yes, my waiting list is often several weeks long, and as Christmas approaches it can even extend to months. Please feel free to email and ask about my current waiting times. If time is of the essence, you can jump the queue for a special price. I always keep a window open for those clients who choose the VIP treatment. If you opt for this package, I promise to make you my top priority. If you are interested in my VIP price list, contact me and I will e-mail you the details.

What makes a good photograph for my drawing/painting?

To create your unique work of art, all I need from you is a good photograph. Some are easier to work with than others; the better the photo, the better the final artwork.

Please send me LARGE images. Anything less than 1000 pixels is probably too small: I won’t be able to see enough detail to make a beautiful artwork. If you zoom into your photograph and it starts to look pixilated quickly, then it’s probably too small. If you’re not sure, send it to me and I will be happy to let you know if it will work for your drawing.

Please send me CLEAR images. If your photograph is blurry, it’s not suitable for a drawing or painting. My style is extremely precise, so the more detail I can see, the better.

Please send me WELL LIT images. If your photograph is very shadowy, or was taken with a flash, it’s unlikely to work well for a drawing or painting. Photographs taken in natural light tend to have far better colour and clarity.

If you don’t have any photographs that fit the bill, don’t worry! I have two photography packages for you to choose from, please click here to learn more.

How much will my custom drawing or painting cost?

The price of your custom art depends a lot on what you want, and crucially, the time it will take to create for you. The complexity of the image I will be working from is the defining factor in setting a price for your unique portrait. Please email me for a price list, if you have a photograph(s) in mind for your artwork, please include it with your email and I will be able to give you a free obligation free accurate quote.

I don’t have time to take my drawing to the framers, can you frame it for me?

Yes. I have a selection of beautiful frames and mount boards for you to choose from. I’ve put together a range which complements my artwork’s palette perfectly, and can also help you make the best choice for your décor. I will then frame your artwork myself, and sign and seal the back. You save time and money, and your art will be ready to hang from the moment you receive it. Please email me for a framing price list

Please note: framing is currently only available for drawings and paper prints. I am, however, working with a local framer to develop discounted prices on framing for paintings.

What materials do you use?

My drawings are made on top quality artists’ paper, with the highest quality colour pencils and graphite. I also use a putty eraser for fine details. My paintings are made with traditional oil paints layered on the best primer, using time-proven techniques and know-how. The canvas is stretched on a quality wooden stretcher which I construct myself, with great care, to ensure that there is no warping or distortion. These are traditionally constructed paintings, made to last for generations.

The techniques I use for my drawings and paintings are 100% traditional. No digital tricks are used to create your completely original, unique work of art. I am a traditionally trained artist, and enjoy the challenge of making something beautiful with nothing more than a pencil, brush and paints. I can even improve on your photograph, viewing it at various light levels to pull detail from every shadow, and always producing an image that’s crisp, clean and clutter-free.

Where did you train?

I studied Fine Art foundation year at Exeter College. I then completed the first 2 years of a Bachelors of Fine Art, Painting at the University of Plymouth, UK, and completed my final year of the degree at the Willem de Kooning academy in Rotterdam, the Netherlands in 2004. During my time at university I worked extensively in learning the traditional fine art skills of sketching, painting and life drawing.